‍We awoke on Shabbat and Simchat Torah to the shocking, terrifying news that Israel was under deadly, mulitpronged attack by Hamas, and that the country had declared it was at war. Our eyes have been glued to the news as we watch continuous reports and video footage of the indiscriminate, brutal assaults on Israeli civilians, which is against the Geneva Conventions and any rule of humanitarian law. Currently, it is reported that least 900 people have been killed, with casualties expected to rise. Our hearts are with their families and communities; may their memories be a blessing. More than 2,600 people have been critically injured and the Hadassah Medical Organization continues to treat many of the wounded from around the country.

Your generous support of Hadassah is greatly appreciated, especially during times of crisis like now.

Exactly 50 years to the day of the surprise attack by Egyptian and Syrian forces that began the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel again defends its sovereignty. We are praying for the safety of our Hadassah family, our loved ones, those who have been wounded or taken hostage, and everyone in our beloved Israel. We thank our HMO colleagues for caring for those who have been injured during this vicious assault, which is unlike anything Israel has experienced in over 50 years, and possibly since its founding in 1948. May Israel overcome this terrible crisis as quickly as possible and may peace come soon.

Rhoda Smolow, Hadassah national president, and Naomi Adler, Hadassah CEO